HC Deb 16 April 1923 vol 162 c1656
58. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the protest against the ruthless warfare upon all forms of religious belief carried on by the Soviet Government which has been signed by leaders of most of the religious bodies in this country; and, if so, will he state what response, if any, the British Government propose to make to this protest and appeal?

Mr. McNEILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply I have just given to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison).

Mr. LANSBURY

In view of the contradictory reports on this matter, will the Government request the British representative in Moscow to furnish an official report, so that the House may have a purely non-partisan statement on the subject?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not know that it is necessary to call for a special report. We are constantly receiving information.

Mr. LANSBURY

May we not have publication of the information which comes through from the, British representative in Moscow?

Mr. McNEILL

I cannot promise that at the present time.

Mr. LANSBURY

We should have it.